People

To me, both as a writer and as a reader, characters are the most important element of fiction. So let's begin what I always think of as the new year (the legacy of my teaching years) with a focus on people.

Ideally, I'd like you to go out and do some people-watching. (Obviously not in a creepy sort of way...) Look at the people around you. Some will intrigue you more than others.  Choose two - initially: you're very welcome to do more.

If you're not able to get out an

Describe them, as accurately as you can. Describe them physically - but also, what drew you to them? What is particularly interesting/unusual/appealing about them? What can you imagine about the sort of person they are, the way they live.

Don't get into a story just yet. This task is about observation.

Rembrandt was clearly a great people-watcher...